Leading the Asian Mission Train: The Story of Dr. Andrew and Belinda Ng

26 July 2006

A train of new missionaries is barreling across the world, not from the West, but from Asia. Dr. Andrew Ng was the first of this ever-increasing band of missionaries sent out with SIM from Asia. He and his wife Belinda have now completed 30 years of fruitful ministry with SIM.

Starting the Engine

Dr. Ng completed medical school at the University of Singapore in 1971. After military service, he taught in the Department of Surgery at the university. He and Belinda shared a growing interest in Africa, so in 1975 they applied to SIM Australia and were accepted as SIM's first Asian candidates. They were appointed to Niger, West Africa, in 1977 with their one-year-old son Nathaniel.

Express to Galmi Hospital

En route to Africa, the Ngs spent nine months in Albertville, France, learning French and studying Hausa, the language of the local people. Then they settled at Galmi Hospital. Dr. Ng did not waste any time getting to work. He performed his first surgical operation within hours after arriving, while Belinda served in the administration.

During their 11 years at Galmi they saw the beginning of home-style churches in villages. In the 1980s, they participated in a village health program that provided medical care and brought the story of Christ's love to many in outlying villages. God also blessed them with a second son, Joel, born in Galmi Hospital.

Full Steam Ahead in Asia

The educational needs of their sons took the Ngs back to Singapore in 1990. Dr. Ng became Director of SIM East Asia, which now had more than 90 Asian missionaries in different countries. Belinda became the Personnel Director and Communications Coordinator in addition to coordinating member care. Each year on personal leave, Dr. Ng has returned to Galmi Hospital to practice medicine during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

In their years at home, the Ngs have been motivating others to serve in mission. They have seen the unparalleled rise of Asians in global missions. All throughout the world, God has added Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, Filipinos, Indians, Latin Americans, Africans, and more to the list of those who are serving cross-culturally throughout the world.

International Leadership

Looking back, they can see how the Lord sustained them through their years of service both in Africa and East Asia. Now, September 1, 2006, they will take up residence in Fort Mill, South Carolina, to serve in the International Leadership Team of the mission. Andrew will be the Deputy International Director for Asia and the Pacific, while Belinda will serve as the Asia Member Care and MK Education Consultant. In their 30 years of service, the Ngs have carried out the SIM vision of "The Glory of God in the Worldwide Church" and look forward to continuing to do so in their new role of service.